Royal purple and ruby red are just a few of the standout nail polish shades adored by True Winter color enthusiasts. Even those drawn to neutral palettes have an impressive range to explore. For lovers of cool tones, winter offers far more variety than expected—from multiple shades of white to nuanced grays. Anyone who has watched snow shimmer in sunlight before melting understands the depth within these hues. The same richness applies to burgundy tones, including cranberry, deep berry, and merlot.
World champion nail artist and beauty educator Valeriia Telemaniuk shared with Byrdie that winter often sparks a return to classic nail styles. Expect to see a rise in French manicures, along with gray and blue shades. Both bold and understated deep reds are also set to dominate the season. Below, explore the top winter nail colors predicted by professional nail artists and discover where to find them.
11 Nail Polish Colors Trending This Winter
Chocolate Ganache
Brownie-inspired nails are stepping aside for a richer winter favorite: ganache nails. Nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur describes this shade as a deep, indulgent brown reminiscent of melted dark chocolate. Think of tones similar to Red Iguana’s Ganache gel or Dazzle Dry’s Fringe. Warm and luxurious, this color feels perfectly suited for colder months and understated elegance. On nails, ganache conveys quiet confidence—polished yet inviting. It pairs seamlessly with gold jewelry, neutral outfits, or minimalist black looks.
Muted Berry
Deeper, grounding shades are gaining momentum this season. Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse Salons, notes a growing preference for espresso browns, soft mauves, and muted berry tones. These shades balance warmth with sophistication while remaining wearable for everyday looks. Muted berries, in particular, provide a refined alternative to brighter reds, adding depth without overwhelming the overall style.
Light Ocean Blue
Light ocean blue with a pearlescent finish is another shade to watch. Nail professional Amy Ling Lin describes these soft blues as calm, luminous, and uplifting. Shades like Sundays Studio’s L09 offer a refreshing contrast to winter’s darker palette. The delicate pearl finish reflects light beautifully, creating dimension and a subtle glow. This color carries a soothing, airy feel while remaining modern and polished.
Cool Gray
Cool gray is emerging as a go-to winter neutral. According to OPI Global Ambassador Coca Michelle, it’s a chic, sophisticated shade that pairs effortlessly with winter wardrobes. Cool gray also highlights jewelry, especially for those who enjoy mixing metals. Notable options include OPI’s Peace of Mined, Case of Glamnesia, and Suzi Talks with Her Hands, each offering a refined and versatile finish.
Deep Navy
Deep navy is described as the ideal post-holiday reset shade. Calm and grounding, it transitions smoothly from winter into the New Year. Easy to wear, this classic color suits both special occasions and everyday office looks. Recommended shades include OPI Nail Lacquer in Less is Norse, Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time, and Suzi & the Arctic Fox.
The “Barely Theres”
Winter often brings a desire for clarity and calm, reflected in the rise of barely-there nail shades. According to Huber-Millet, soft milky tones, cool neutrals, and subtle pastels are trending. Shades such as Coconut Milk, Glazed Marshmallow, and Milkshake from Townhouse’s Flawless Collection feel clean and restorative—a gentle reset after autumn’s richer colors. For pink-toned neutrals, experts suggest adding French tips, whether crisp white or softer modern variations, for a timeless look.
Warm, Deep Red
A warm, deep red remains a winter staple. Amy Ling Lin describes this shade as warm, chic, and quietly powerful. It instantly adds a sense of coziness during colder months while maintaining a polished, festive feel. This color transitions effortlessly from everyday elegance to holiday moments.
Earthy Metallics
Earthy metallics are also set to trend this winter. Sofiia Mazur highlights bronze, clay gold, and olive chrome tones, often paired with matte or stone-textured finishes. These shades reflect light softly, creating a refined glow that feels elevated without appearing flashy. Inspired by fashion runways such as Balmain’s fall collection, earthy metallics work beautifully as full coverage or subtle accent nails.
Black Cherry
Black cherry nails deliver understated drama by blending deep darkness with a hint of red warmth. Mazur notes that this balance keeps the shade elegant and wearable. Long favored by fashion icons and celebrities, black cherry complements evening looks just as well as casual outfits like oversized blazers or vintage denim. It remains a reliable cold-season favorite.
Crisp White
Crisp white polish is enjoying a strong winter resurgence. Following Pantone’s announcement of Cloud Dancer, pure white shades such as Mineral Fusion Ice Breaker are in high demand. Clean and modern, this color evokes snowy landscapes, cozy knits, and frosty mornings. Once seen as a summer staple, white has firmly claimed its place in winter minimalism.
Gray-Lavender
Gray-lavender blends cool gray with a subtle touch of purple, making it especially fitting for winter. According to Telemaniuk, shorter daylight hours and cooler atmospheres draw clients toward muted shades like this. Gray-lavender feels elegant, versatile, and modern—minimal yet chic—making it a standout choice for the colder months.
